Biological sciences

NeuroD is required for differentiation of the granule cells in the cerebellum and hippocampus

Article Abstract:

NeuroD, a bHLH transcription factor, is required for differentiation of the granule cells, postnatally generated microneurons, in the cerebellum and hippocampus. NeuroD-null mice, which die soon after birth from severe neonatal diabetes, were rescued by putting in a transgene that encodes the mouse neuroD (ital) gene under the insulin promoter. The mice still have severe neurological phenotype because of neuronal deficit in the granule layers of the cerebellum and hippocampus.

A GATA-2/estrogen receptor chimera functions as a ligand-dependent negative regulator of self-renewal

Article Abstract:

A GATA-2/estrogen receptor chimera which acts as a ligand-dependent negative self-renewal regulator is discussed. Estrogen and tamoxifen-inducible forms of GATA-2 were used to change levels of GATA-2 in the IL-3-dependent multipotential hematopoietic progenitor cell model FDCP mix and results suggest threshold GATA-2 functions in hematopoietic progenitor cells are critical in determining whether self-renewal or differentiation will occur.

c-Myb is essential for early T cell development

Article Abstract:

c-Myb, a transcription factor, has been shown through use of homozygous null c-Myb/Rag1 (ital) chimeric mice to be essential for early T cell development. Deleting c-Myb brings on a total block of early T cell development immediately before the oligopotent thymocyte matures into the definitive T cell precursor. c-Myb has an important role in various stages of hematopoiesis.